NEW YORK – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10) and Congressman Peter T. King (NY-02) praised New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s announcement, on the 15th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, that there will be a new monument to those first responders and survivors who have died or continue to suffer from health issues related to the toxins at Ground Zero. The announcement comes two days after the three lead sponsors of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, sent a letter, found here, asking the Governor for his support for such a monument.
“I am very pleased that the Governor has heeded our call and is beginning the process to build a memorial to honor the men and women we've lost since 9/11 and the thousands more who are still dealing with the health effects of being exposed to Ground Zero toxins,” said Congresswoman Maloney. “This new memorial will be another step in our efforts to keep our promise to ‘Never Forget.’”
"As we memorialize the lives of those who died on that day, we must remember the many victims still with us and still bearing the physical and emotional scars of that September morning." said Congressman Nadler. "Since 9/11, many first responders and survivors have been diagnosed with serious health issues due to their exposure to the toxins in Lower Manhattan. Congress took a major step in supporting these responders and survivors and their families by making the World Trade Center health program permanent and extending the Victims Compensation Fund last year, and a memorial at Ground Zero would help ensure that we never lose sight of the American men and women who suffered greatly from these illnesses, and those who have died as a result. I want to thank Governor Cuomo for responding to our request and his commitment to building a memorial that recognizes the long struggle of these heroes.”
"I appreciate Governor Cuomo's support and assistance to create a memorial dedicated to those injured, those who are still ill and those that have died from the attacks in the years after,” said Congressman King. “For fifteen years, too many of our 9/11 responders and survivors have fought and continue to fight serious illnesses, including more than 60 types of cancer caused by 9/11 toxins. We have come too far and we must continue to ensure that our 9/11 heroes not only receive the care but the appropriate recognition they truly deserve.”
In December 2015, Congress passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act to provide $8.1 billion to fully fund the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) for five additional years and make the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program effectively permanent.